Mom wins $1 million on Mother's Day

Brandy Hatcher of Wilmington learned she was expecting a child last year on Mother's Day. This year, Mother's Day was equally rewarding as she won a $1 million lottery prize on Sunday.

"I had just gone to the store to buy mints and decided to try a ticket on the way out," Hatcher said. "I really couldn't believe it. Between last Mother's Day and this one, I don't think it could get much better."

Hatcher bought the winning ticket playing the $4,000,000 Gold Bullion game. Winners of $1 million in the game have the option of claiming it in $50,000 payments as a 20-year annuity or a one-time lump sum of $600,000.

Hatcher took the cash payment, $415,206 after state and federal taxes, and plans to purchase a car and save for her daughter's college education.

Hatcher is the sixth player to win a $1 million prize in the game. She purchased the lucky ticket at the Lowes Foods on Carolina Beach Road in Wilmington.